iPad 2 installed in the dash of an F-150 [video]

Car audio systems have improved dramatically recently but you have to take a look at an iPad 2 that has been installed within the dashboard of an F-150. The clever guys from SoundMan Car Audio go way beyond a simple car mount. They strip out the centre console and rebuild it to fit the iPad 2 perfectly. This was all done on the day the iPad 2 launch which makes the whole thing even more impressive!

The iPad 2 is the perfect car audio and entertainment system, the way these guys have installed it, complete with charging, video out to rear screens and the perfect fit and finish has really got us thinking. Car manufacturers really need to stop doing customised LCD panel audio and sat-nav systems and just adopt the iPad 2. This should be an extra in any good car manufacturer’s price list! It makes so much sense and offers so much more.

Take a look at the video after the break, and then let us know what you think in the comments!

Reader comments

iPad 2 installed in the dash of an F-150 [video]

The iPad's dependence on iTunes sounds like a deal-breaker, when it comes to permanent dash installations.
Obviously, some people have laptops they could bring to the car, but it still sounds a mass market impediment.

goose2goose2 on January 26, 2011 @tsport100 know much about wind tbeniurs> ?maybe do just a few minutes searching around, before shoot your mouth off and showing everyonewhat we already knew..that you don't have a clue.the gen-set alone cost over 700 dollars try looking up the cost of an axial flux gen-set,then you might consider even finding out just what , exactly that is .

Not every iPad is a 3G model, not every 3G model has a 3G subscription all the time, and that does not eliminate the need to sync for back-up or transfer of documents.
But I agree that it is one great-looking custom installation.

mdruerkid200 on March 1, 2011 @Cargo1273 Cheaper brother???? You dont need to take a look at one to realize that they are made in the same factory wit hthe same parts of the same quality, the Escalade just has a couple more options and more bling. And really not everyone needs an Escalade??? I mean if i were to go off-roading, the navigator would be a better choice than an escalade due to the fact that it has higher clearence, less overhang, and 4X4 rather than just AWD.

You could always Jailbreak it, and buy WiFi Sync - most people that can get one/two bars in their driveway, can still sync it over WiFi.
Also, you could always use the PowerMat Charge Station behind it to keep it fully charged up whenever the car is running.

Does it control all of the audio, phone, climate control, etc. within the vehicle? Does this do voice recognition to enable this control (as well as touchscreen)? Does it interface to the built-in controls in the steering wheel (where your hands naturally rest)? Does it block video displays to the driver while the vehicle is in motion?(Recall we are supposed to be driving not interfacing with a tablet?) Does it do all of this without requiring an additional data plan beyond your phone? Ford's MyTouch does all of these.